Cynthia ‘Cindy’ Flores

Congressional Intern, Presented by Walmart
Hometown: Riverside, California
School: University of California-Berkeley
Major: Political Science
Placement: Office of Rep. Emily Randall

Cynthia Flores is a first-generation college student at UC Berkeley studying Political Science. Born and raised in Riverside, California, Cynthia’s passion for public service stems from her experience in the foster care system. At seven years old, she and her three younger siblings entered foster care after years of instability caused by parental incarceration and substance abuse. They were later adopted together by their grandparents, who immigrated from Jalisco, Mexico. Witnessing how child welfare policies shaped the course of her family’s life inspired her commitment to advocating for vulnerable youth and families.

Before transferring to UC Berkeley from Norco College, Cynthia earned an Associate Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences along with a certificate in Early Childhood Education. At Berkeley, she serves on the Housing Peer Review Board and works as a research assistant through Social Science Research Pathways.

Cynthia has gained experience in government and public service through her work in a congressional district office in Riverside and supporting election operations at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters during the 2024 Presidential Election. She is also an alumna of the National Foster Youth Institute’s Congressional Leadership Program and has mentored foster youth at Norco Community College.

Cynthia plans to pursue a career in law or public service with the goal of increasing representation and improving outcomes for system-impacted youth and Latino communities. As a CHCI Intern, Cynthia hopes to build meaningful relationships with policymakers and advocates and deepen her understanding of how federal policy can create lasting change for children and families.